Boobs and Balls - Self care for young people

Self care for young people (in our own words)

One of the first things you might think of when looking after your health is checking your boobs and balls! Of course, this is important, however there’s so much more to self-care for young people.

This leaflet has been put together by students from The Blackpool Sixth Form College alongside Dr Felicity Guest at Thornton Practice and Wyre Council.

From periods to acne and body image as well as embarrassing stuff, you’ll find some helpful pointers to keep you feeling your best.

L OOK ING A F T ER YO URSEL F Good hygiene is important for good health and confidence.

Who can help?

If you notice something has changed about with your body

more information on symptoms. A Nurse Practitioner or G

are sexually active you might need to contact the Connec

Call 01253 955856 for advice or look for lancashiresexua

Go to your regular dental check-ups.

Change underwear daily Shower or bath regularly but try not to use soap when washing your genitals, perfumed soap isn’t necessary and can upset the natural balance of your body Girls – Do not douche, the vagina is self-cleaning!

Practice safe sex

y and you don’t know who to talk to check out nhs.uk for

GP in your practice team will be happy to see you. If you

ct team for free advice and sexual health screening.

alhealth.nhs.uk/under-25s/

ACNE Why do I have acne?

Acne is common in young people due to changes in hormone levels. Some people get affected more than others.

There is no evidence that chocolate increases breakouts but a healthy diet is good for you anyway.

When will it go away?

For lots of people it often disappears when you reach your early twenties.

Don’t wash the affected area of skin more than twice a day.

Wash gently! Mild soap or cleansers and lukewarm water will do the job.

Try not to pick this will lead to scarring.

Don’t go overboard on the makeup but if it gives you more confidence why not use a water based makeup (or one that says non-comedogenic) that is less likely to block pores .

Need more help?

There are lots of products you can speak to a pharmacist about that can help.

If acne is impacting on how you feel about yourself, visit the Nurse Practitioner at your GP surgery for more help.

Check out online advice from www.nhs.co.uk

Things to try

P E R I ODS Signs your period is coming Pain in the lower back or stomach Spots Sore boobs Possibly feeling tired or bloated Mood changes or headaches Some girls are affected by these symptoms each month whilst some don’t even notice!

Periods are natural but if period pain or heavy periods are affecting your life, try keeping a diary of your symptoms and go and talk to a Nurse Practitioner or GP at your surgery.

What can I do?

Regular exercise helps your body and your mood Eat a healthy diet Get plenty of sleep Use paracetamol to control the symptoms Keep track of your periods so you know how your body is changing and you are prepared!

A hot water bottle on your stomach

WATER INF (U TI - THAT STA N D S F O R URI N A RY T

If you have smelly or cloudy pee, a burning sensation when peeing or need to go more often you may have an infection in your bladder or kidneys. Bacteria are a normal part of our body sometimes they just end up in the wrong place.

F E C T IONS R AC T IN F ECTI O N)

Things you can do Drink plenty of fluid to help flush out the bacteria Wipe front to back after going to the loo!

Wear loose cotton underwear Pee as soon as possible after sex Take paracetamol or have a hot water bottle on your stomach

Not getting better?

If your symptoms don’t settle quickly go and see your local pharmacist who can advise you about over the counter treatment options. If you are in pain, get a high temperature or have blood in your pee go contact your practice to see a Nurse Practitioner as you might need antibiotics to treat an infection.

BOD Y I M AGE As we grow up our bodies change a lot and this can make us feel anxious about how we look. What we see on social media or online does not always reflect reality – real life has no filters.

How to feel good about your body Walk tall Eat well and stay hydrated – good food is fuel Get active – do more of what you love!

Focus on the things you like about yourself.

Value yourself for what you do well.

Check out www.youngminds.org.uk

I struggle with my body image and eating - who can help? b-eat.co.uk helpline for under 25’s 0808 801 0711 (12pm-3pm weekdays and 4pm-8pm weekends) The Wellbeing and Mental Health texting service Text HELLO to 07860 022 846

EMBARES S IN G STUF F

Sometimes there is no easy way to talk about embarrassing things but health professionals do this every day with all kinds of people. Look online for more information if you are finding it difficult to talk face to face. Being prepared can help you feel more confident and tackling what’s causing you a concern will make you feel better. If you are registered with a GP you can book an appointment with a GP or Nurse using the myGP app.

Remember you can ask to see a male or female doctor if this would make you feel more comfortable.

SE ARC H, CALL OR C HAT F OR MO R E A DV ICE F ROM TH ES E P EOP L E...

Talkzone at lancashire.gov.uk/youthzone/ You can text 07786 51 11 11 or call 0800 51 11 11 for free (2pm - 10pm everyday) childline.org.uk 0800 1111 - calling is free and doesn’t show up on the phone bill or enter a 1-2-1 chat online.

Casher - Mental health advice and support for young people in Wyre and Blackpool 07810 696565 (5pm-10pm on weekdays or 10am-8pm on weekends) Get more information online at healthtalk.org/young-peoples-experiences Search Radio 1 My Mind and Me Listen to Radio1 Life Hacks podcasts on BBC Sounds – all kinds of people with loads of advice

SELFCA RE

This self care toolkit has been brought to you by Sophie, Lucy, Ben and Abby of The Blackpool Sixth Form College and was coproduced with Wyre Council.

Thanks to Dr Guest of Thornton Practice for your professional advice and support.